Rowan decided
not to take the subway.
The reason didn’t surface right away.
In his field of vision,
guidance for an autonomous taxi
appeared smoothly, as if it were the obvious next step.
Only after a moment did the thought form.
Today, I just… feel like doing this.
The vehicle arrived faster than expected.
As the door opened,
a soft voice flowed out.
“Good morning, Rowan.
Based on your current condition,
I’ve prepared a recommended in-transit environment.”
The seat adjusted subtly
to match his posture.
The interior lighting
dimmed to a gentle glow.
As the car pulled away,
a short line appeared before his eyes.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Today’s emotional state: Stable
Recommended music: Soft ambient track
Just before the music could begin—
Rowan spoke.
“Music is…
fine.”
The car’s response came
a fraction of a second later.
“Understood.
Switching to a quiet ride.”
The music didn’t play.
There was no engine noise,
barely any sound of wind.
Only a carefully arranged silence
filled the cabin.
Rowan looked out the window.
The city moved calmly,
as mornings usually did.
People.
Traffic signals.
s.
Holographic text
scrolled past smoothly.
Home AI Assistant ‘ARC’ Special Event
Three months free with sign-up today
Rowan watched the text drift by
and suddenly thought—
My home,
this car—
they’re both reading my state.
The thought didn’t feel uncomfortable.
Until now,
that had always been the case.
But—
what followed was different.
Choosing to do nothing…
How far is that still recognized
as my choice?
At that moment,
something stirred faintly
inside his chest.
Not words.
Not a sentence.
Just a familiar, settled sensation.
Is choosing silence
a form of complete freedom?
Rowan’s eyes flickered,
just for an instant.
…Am I really thinking this right now?
He lightly pressed his temple.
There was nothing wrong.
The vehicle asked no questions.
It didn’t suggest music again.
It simply continued forward,
quietly.
Rowan realized
he didn’t dislike the silence.
No—
it made him feel
slightly relieved.
For now…
For now,
there are still choices
I don’t have to make.
And deep in his chest,
a very faint resonance remained.
This time,
it didn’t fade easily.